What happens to my estate if I die intestate?

If you die without a valid will in Virginia, it is known as “dying intestate.” This means that the laws of intestate succession will determine how your estate is divided. In Virginia, the surviving spouse and children will get the lion’s share of the assets. If there is no surviving spouse, then any children will inherit the estate, or if there are no living descendants then parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins may be eligible for a portion of the estate. The exact share of the estate that is distributed to each heir may depend on the situation. For example, if there is a surviving spouse, they may be entitled to half or all of the estate, or if there are multiple heirs, they may all receive an equal share. If there are no surviving relatives, the estate will go to the Commonwealth of Virginia. If you die without a valid will, the court will appoint a personal representative to manage your estate. This personal representative will be responsible for ensuring that all debts and taxes are paid and that the remaining assets are distributed according to the laws of intestate succession. It is important to create a valid will in order to ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. If you do not have a valid will, the court will follow the laws of intestate succession to ensure that your assets are distributed properly and that any debts or taxes are paid.

Related FAQs

What should I do if I find a mistake in my estate documents?
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
How do I plan for disability or incapacity?
Should I include a trust or will in my estate plan?
What is a disclaimer and how does it work?
What legal documents will I need to establish my estate plan?
What is an estate freeze and how does it work?
What happens to my estate if I die intestate?
How can I protect my assets from creditors?
What is an estate tax return and why should I file one?

What happens to my estate if I die intestate?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts